U.S. patent application number 10/189822 was filed with the patent office on 2003-02-06 for beverage accessory device.
Invention is credited to Vanderschuit, Carl R..
Application Number | 20030026088 10/189822 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 30114037 |
Filed Date | 2003-02-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030026088 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vanderschuit, Carl R. |
February 6, 2003 |
Beverage accessory device
Abstract
A beverage accessory device having a housing with a cavity
therein, a buoyant filler within the cavity, a buoyancy-reducing
feature to incrementally decrease the buoyancy of the device, a
straw receptacle attached to the housing, and a switchable
light-source within the cavity.
Inventors: |
Vanderschuit, Carl R.; (San
Diego, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FRANK G MORKUNAS
7750 DAGGET ST
SUITE 203
SAN DIEGO
CA
92111
|
Family ID: |
30114037 |
Appl. No.: |
10/189822 |
Filed: |
July 3, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10189822 |
Jul 3, 2002 |
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09627961 |
Jul 28, 2000 |
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6416198 |
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60154424 |
Sep 17, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
362/101 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 2200/08 20130101;
F21V 33/0028 20130101; A47G 19/2222 20130101; A47G 19/2227
20130101; A47G 21/182 20130101; F21V 33/0036 20130101; A47G
2019/2238 20130101; F21Y 2115/10 20160801; F25D 27/00 20130101;
F25D 2303/08223 20130101; Y10S 362/802 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
362/101 |
International
Class: |
F21V 033/00 |
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A beverage accessory device comprising: (a) a housing with a lid
enclosing said housing defining a water-tight cavity therein; (b) a
buoyant filler within said cavity; and (c) a ballast means for
incrementally decreasing buoyancy of said device.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said ballast means
comprises a plurality of slots outside of said housing, said
plurality of slots adapted to receive one or more weight
members.
3. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said ballast means
comprises an opening on said housing in communication with said
cavity for receiving into said cavity one or more weight members
and further comprises a sealing member for said opening for
exposing said cavity via said opening when said sealing member is
in an open position and for securing said opening when said sealing
member is in a closed position.
4. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said filler is adapted
to retain heat when said device is heated.
5. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said filler is adapted
to retain cold when said device is cooled.
6. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said filler is further
comprised of a substance adapted to glow in the dark.
7. The device as claimed in claim 1 further comprises a container
within said cavity, said container comprising a light-source and a
power-source for said light-source
8. The device as claimed in claim 7 further comprising power means
for delivering power to said light-source from said power-source to
thereby illuminate said light-source.
9. The device as claimed in claim 8 wherein said power means
comprises a manually activated switch member.
10. The device as claimed in claim 8 wherein said power means
comprises an automatically activated switch member.
11. The device as claimed in claim 7 wherein said power source is
solar powered.
12. The device as claimed in claim 7 wherein said power source is
rechargeable.
13. The device as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a straw
receptacle attached to said housing.
14. The device as claimed in claim 13 wherein said straw receptacle
comprises an aperture therethrough for receiving an external
straw.
15. The device as claimed in claim 13 wherein said straw receptacle
further comprises an elongated tube and a channel through said
elongated tube and through said straw receptacle.
16. A beverage accessory device comprising: (a) a housing with a
lid enclosing said housing defining a water-tight cavity therein;
(b) a buoyant filler within said cavity; and (c) a container within
said cavity, said container comprising a light-source and a
power-source for said light-source.
17. The device as claimed in claim 16 further comprising power
means for delivering power to said light-source from said
power-source to thereby illuminate said light-source.
18. The device as claimed in claim 17 wherein said power means
comprises a manually activated switch member.
19. The device as claimed in claim 17 wherein said power means
comprises an automatically activated switch member.
20. The device as claimed in claim 16 wherein said power source is
solar powered.
21. The device as claimed in claim 16 wherein said power source is
rechargeable.
22. The device as claimed in claim 16 further comprising a straw
receptacle attached to said housing.
23. The device as claimed in claim 22 wherein said straw receptacle
further comprises an aperture therethrough for receiving an
external straw.
24. The device as claimed in claim 22 wherein said straw receptacle
further comprises an elongated tube and a channel through said tube
and through said straw receptacle.
25. The device as claimed in claim 16 further comprising a ballast
means for incrementally decreasing buoyancy of said device.
26. The device as claimed in claim 25 wherein said ballast means
comprises a plurality of slots outside of said housing, said
plurality of slots adapted to receive one or more weight
members.
27. The device as claimed in claim 25 wherein said ballast means
comprises an opening on said housing in communication with said
cavity for receiving into said cavity one or more weight members
and further comprises a sealing member for said opening for
exposing said cavity via said opening when said sealing member is
in an open position and for securing said opening when said sealing
member is in a closed position.
28. The device as claimed in claim 25 wherein said filler is
adapted to retain heat when said device is heated.
29. The device as claimed in claim 25 wherein said filler is
adapted to retain cold when said device is cooled.
30. The device as claimed in claim 25 wherein said filler is
further comprised of a substance adapted to glow in the dark.
31. A beverage accessory device comprising: (a) a housing with a
lid enclosing said housing defining a water-tight cavity therein;
and (b) a straw receptacle on said housing.
32. The device as claimed in claim 31 wherein said straw receptacle
further comprises an aperture therethrough for receiving an
external straw.
33. The device as claimed in claim 31 wherein said straw receptacle
further comprises an elongated tube and a channel through said tube
and through said straw receptacle.
34. The device as claimed in claim 31 further comprising a buoyant
filler within said cavity.
35. The device as claimed in claim 34 wherein said filler is
adapted to retain heat when said device is heated.
36. The device as claimed in claim 34 wherein said filler is
adapted to retain cold when said device is cooled.
37. The device as claimed in claim 34 wherein said filler is
further comprised of a substance adapted to glow in the dark.
38. The device as claimed in claim 34 further comprising a ballast
means for incrementally decreasing buoyancy of said device.
39. The device as claimed in claim 38 wherein said ballast means
comprises a plurality of slots outside of said housing, said
plurality of slots adapted to receive one or more weight
members.
40. The device as claimed in claim 38 wherein said ballast means
comprises an opening on said housing in communication with said
cavity for receiving into said cavity one or more weight members
and further comprises a sealing member for said opening for
exposing said cavity via said opening when said sealing member is
in an open position and for securing said opening when said sealing
member is in a closed position.
41. The device as claimed in claim 31 further comprises a container
within said cavity, said container comprising a light-source and a
power-source for said light-source
42. The device as claimed in claim 41 further comprising power
means for delivering power to said light-source from said
power-source to thereby illuminate said light-source.
43. The device as claimed in claim 42 wherein said power means
comprises a manually activated switch member.
44. The device as claimed in claim 42 wherein said power means
comprises an automatically activated switch member.
45. The device as claimed in claim 41 wherein said power source is
solar powered.
46. The device as claimed in claim 41 wherein said power source is
rechargeable.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a non-provisional continuation-in-part
application of my co-pending U.S. non-provisional application,
application Ser. No. 09/627,961, filed on Jul. 28, 2000, which
application was a non-provisional application of a co-pending
provisional application, application No. 60/154,424, filed on Sep.
17, 1999.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This present invention relates to an novelty-related
accessory for use in containers filled with a liquid substance;
i.e. drinks, and is an improvement over prior novelty-related
devices. In particular, the device of the present invention is
buoyant, has buoyancy-control, is illuminatable by a light-source
or through glow-like characteristics of its interior, is heatable
and will retain its heat, is coolable and will retain its coolness,
and may serve as a drinking facilitator.
[0004] Currently there are several prior art novelty-related
devices resembling an ice cube. These are either complex in
structure or in use or both. U.S. Pat. No. 5,860,724 issued to
Cheng describes a luminescent light emitter shaped like an ice cube
having several chambers within, each filled with chemicals which,
when mixed, emit light. Though suited for the intended purpose, it
is of complex construction, requiring chemicals, and is a relative
burden to use. U.S. Pat. No. 5,902,212 issued to Rodgers is even
more complex. It is motion-sensitive. The device is powered by any
motion through a motion-responsive ball-switch within. After the
device is illuminated, a timer controls the duration of light
emission. This device is relatively easy to use but is extremely
complex in structure. A need still exists for novel beverage
accessories which have buoyancy control, assist in the drinking
process, and provide illumination or mood enhancers--all to provide
visual pleasure to one's other sensory pleasures while relaxing
consuming a beverage; particularly, those novelty items resembling
an ice cube for use in a drink.
[0005] Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention
are to:
[0006] a. control the buoyancy of a device immersible in a
liquid;
[0007] b. assist or facilitate the physical action of drinking a
beverage;
[0008] c. provide an easy-to-use illuminatable novelty device to
enhance the atmosphere of an occasion;
[0009] d. enhance one's enjoyment while consuming a beverage;
[0010] e. provide for all to use an inexpensive pleasurable novelty
device;
[0011] f. create a unique promotional novelty device adapted to
convey messages to users; and
[0012] g. assist in heating or cooling a beverage.
[0013] The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent
objects of the present invention. These objects should be construed
to be merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features
and applications of the intended invention. Many other beneficial
results can be attained by applying the disclosed invention in a
different manner or by modifying the invention within the scope of
the disclosure. Accordingly, other objects and a fuller
understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the
summary of the invention and the detailed description of the
preferred embodiment in addition to the scope of the invention
defined by the claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The above-noted problems, among others, are overcome by the
present invention. Briefly stated, the present invention
contemplates a beverage accessory device having a housing with a
cavity therein, a buoyant filler within the cavity, a
buoyancy-reducing feature to incrementally decrease the buoyancy of
the device, a straw receptacle attached to the housing, and a
switchable light-source within the cavity.
[0015] The foregoing has outlined the more pertinent and important
features of the present invention in order that the detailed
description of the invention that follows may be better understood
so the present contributions to the art may be more fully
appreciated. Additional features of the present invention will be
described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims. It
should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the
conception and the disclosed specific embodiment may be readily
utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures and
methods for carrying out the same purposes of the present
invention. It also should be realized by those skilled in the art
that such equivalent constructions and methods do not depart from
the spirit and scope of the inventions as set forth in the appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the
invention, reference should be had to the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0017] FIG. 1 is cross-section elevation view of the beverage
accessory.
[0018] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the beverage accessory.
[0019] FIG. 3 is planar view of a portion of the beverage accessory
as taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 2.
[0020] FIG. 4 is an exploded detail view of a support member for
the power source of the beverage accessory.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a detailed view of another embodiment of a support
member for the power source of the beverage accessory.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a detailed partial view of another embodiment of
the beverage accessory.
[0023] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the second embodiment of the
beverage accessory.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a detailed view of a lead chamber in the beverage
accessory as taken on line 8-8 of FIG. 7.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a detailed view of another lead chamber in the
beverage accessory as taken on line 9-9 of FIG. 7.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a detailed view the lid as taken on line 10-10 of
FIG. 7.
[0027] FIG. 11 is a cut-away perspective view of the device
highlighting the encapsulated light- and power-source and drink
facilitating attached straw.
[0028] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
device highlighting the buoyancy-reducing component and drink
facilitator.
[0029] FIG. 13 is a schematic of the light, power, and switching
components of the device.
[0030] FIG. 14 is bottom plan views of the device taken on line
14-14 of FIG. 11.
[0031] FIG. 15 is bottom plan views of the device taken on line
15-15 of FIG. 12.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] Referring now to the drawings in detail and in particular to
FIG. 1, reference character 10 generally designates a novelty item
beverage accessory device constructed in accordance with one
embodiment of the present and co-pending invention as described in
detail in my co-pending application Ser. No. 09/627,961 and as
described herein. The novel elements of the present invention may
encompass all or some or none of the elements of my co-pending
application or may stand alone or any combinations thereof. The
newer novel elements of the present invention are particularly
illustrated in FIGS. 11-15 and are described later.
[0033] With regard to FIG. 1; FIG. 1 shows a housing 11 which rests
on a lid 14. Within the housing 11 seated on the lid 14 is a
cartridge 12. A cavity is, though need not be, formed above the
cartridge 12. A cavity is preferred but the space above the
cartridge 12 also may be part of the inner housing itself--a
single-piece or of a solid construction fitted onto or be a part of
the cartridge 12. This solid inner housing may be transparent or
translucent and/or comprise any one or more colors or tints or
shades.
[0034] The cartridge 12 can be fixedly sealed to the lid 14 and
each, the cartridge 12 and the lid 14, can be fixedly sealed to the
housing 11 thereby creating a water-tight integrity for the
beverage accessory device 10. It must be understood, however, that
any one or more of these parts (that is, the housing 11, the
cartridge 12, and the lid 14) may be removably attached to any one
or all of the other parts, or fixedly attached to any one or all of
the others, or in any combination thereof. For maintaining
water-tight integrity, a fixed seal is preferred.
[0035] Reference is now made to FIGS. 1-3. Within the cartridge 11
is a light-source chamber 25, a power-source chamber 21, a detent
22 or similar structure suited for the intended purpose of
restricting the (unwanted) movement of the power-source 41 (having
a negative terminal or cathode 44 and a positive terminal or anode
43) within the power-source chamber 21, and wire lead channels 23,
24 adapted to receive the respective wire leads 33, 34 from the
light source 35. The light source 35 seats into the light-source
chamber 25. Its wire leads 33, 34 seat into the respective wire
lead channels 23, 24 of the underside of the cartridge 12. The
power source 41 is seated into the power-source chamber 21 directly
below the light source 35. The power-source chamber 21 is sized
such that the power source 41 may slide from one side to another
side as depicted by direction arrows A and B in FIG. 1 (for
reference purposes only, and not by way of limitation, this figures
depicts a right to left translation of the power source 41 and in
this vein, the power-source chamber 21 is slightly longer than the
length of the power source 41). Side to side length of the
power-source chamber 21 is slightly less than the length of the
power source 41 to provide the clearance necessary to permit
movement in directions A and B when desired. Undesired movement
within the power-source chamber 21 of the power source 41 is
restricted by placement of a detent 22 within the power-source
chamber 21, or similar structure suited for the intended purpose
such as, but not limited to a nub, a bias member, a pin, and the
like. Those skilled in the art, however, will recognize that any
restricting-type mechanism suited for the intended purposes may be
employed and are not limited to these forms of restricting-type
mechanisms described above.
[0036] One wire lead (for example purposes only, and not by way of
limitation, it is wire lead 33) extends from the light source 35
around the inner perimeter of the power-source chamber 21 to the
bottom of the power source 41 as follows: from upper chamber wall
to the left side wall then down to the bottom chamber wall and then
to the right. This wire lead 33 is in continuous communication with
one terminal of the power source (for example purposes only, and
not by way of limitation, the wire lead 33 communicates with the
positive terminal on the bottom of the power source 41). Below the
power source 41 and inside the lid chamber 45 is a bias member 51.
The bias member 51 is seated in the lid chamber 45 and is adapted
to apply force on and/or support to the power source 41 such that
the power source 41 does not and cannot easily move or translate
from side to side (directions of arrows A or B) unless external
force is applied to overcome the force and support being applied by
the bias member 51 to then cause such movement.
[0037] Wire lead 34 from light source 35 in this example is the
negative lead and seats in lead channel 34 of the underside of the
cartridge 21. As illustrated in FIG. 1, this wire lead 34 is
positioned well away from contact with the power source 41 when
power source 41 is, by way of this example only, in the full right
side position (moved fully in the direction of arrow B). This wire
lead 34 is slightly downward angled left of center such that, when
the power source 41 is slid in the direction of arrow A, the top
side (in this example, the negative terminal) of the power source
41 contacts this wire lead 34 thereby completing the circuit
causing the light to power `on`. When the power source is slid
sufficiently in the direction of arrow B, contact between the wire
lead 34 and the negative terminal of the power source 41 is broken
and light emission from the light source 35 will terminate. To
prevent undesired contact between wire lead 33 (positive in this
example) and the negative terminal of the power source (top in this
example) and undesired contact between wire lead 34 (negative lead
in this example) and the negative terminal of the power source 41
(top in this example) an insulator has been inserted on the top (as
viewed from the perception of FIG. 1) of the power-source chamber
21 between the two wire leads 33, 34 and the top of the power
source 41. The insulator 46, however, should extend approximately
up to wire lead 33 at a point where it is desired that the wire
lead 33 come in contact with the top of the power 41 when the power
source 41 is caused to move in direction A (in this example, and
not by way of limitation, this point is approximately where the
downward angling of wire lead 33 begins).
[0038] The beverage accessory device is preferably formed from
biologically safe material, such as, but not limited to, polymers
or any other material suited for the intended purpose which has
properties suitable for placing it in contact with a material that
is to be ingested and falls under the Food and Drug Administration
food-contact grade properties. The beverage accessory device also
could be manufactured from, or filled with, a material capable of
maintaining cold or heat if the beverage accessory device is cooled
or heated as the case may be. As such, the beverage accessory
device could impart such properties to a drink if desired. As
stated earlier, the housing 11 may be hollow; that is, have a
cavity within and above the cartridge 12. In such cases, the cavity
may be filled with a filler 18 such as, but not limited to, water,
jell, powder, metals, heat-retaining materials, cold-retaining
materials, ultra-violet materials, materials having a fluorescent
or glow-in-the-dark quality and the like, all may be either colored
or clear or translucent or any combination thereof. Depending on
the material used, such filler 18, if frozen or heated, could
impart greater cooling or heating properties, respectively, than a
solid housing 11. For cooling and heating properties, any
commercially available material bearing cold-retaining or
heat-retaining properties will suffice, such as, but not limited
to, materials generally used in re-usable ice-packs and heating
pads. Those skilled in the art, however, will recognize that any
filler suited for the intended purposes may be employed and are not
limited to these forms of fillers described above.
[Glow-in-the-dark fillers of varying colors are well-suited for
mood enhancing. Buoyant fillers are well-suited to establish
positive buoyancy such that the device will float within the
liquid. Any convention fillers suited for the intended purpose and
purposes will suffice.]
[0039] Having a solid inner housing 11 or a filler 18 within
creates a negative buoyancy to the beverage accessory device.
Adjusting such combinations of filler 18 and/or solid inner housing
11 or retaining an unused cavity would generally create a positive
buoyancy for the beverage accessory device. Since the beverage
accessory device could be used as a novelty ice cube, its outer
features could simulate the contours and somewhat curved corners of
a real ice cube. It could resemble that of a melted or partially
melted or melting ice cube complete with a convoluted exterior
surface. Shape, for this purpose, would enhance the pleasure of its
use. Indicia, external or internal, could be displayed by the
beverage accessory device. Such indicia could impart holiday
themes, professional themes, promotional themes, sports related
themes, and the like. Those skilled in the art, however, will
recognize that any theme suited for the intended purposes may be
employed and are not limited to these types of themes described
above.
[0040] In an embodiment where the lid chamber 45 is somewhat or
completely transparent, the portion of the bias member 51 which is
exposed to the lid chamber 45 (bottom of bias member 51 for
example) could contain any indicia which, as a result of the
transparency of the lid chamber 45, is exposed to outside viewers.
As above, such indicia also could impart holiday themes,
professional themes, promotional themes, sports related themes, and
the like. This bottom of the bias member 51 could be of a glossy
surface, a non-glossy surface, smooth, or textured, or any
combination thereof.
[0041] In an embodiment where the inner housing 11 is a cavity, a
display mechanism 16 may be connected to any one or more side walls
or the top of the housing 11. The display mechanism is adapted to
receive and hold, but is not limited to, a display placard, plaque,
card, any two- or three-dimensional objects, and the like, or any
combination thereof which may convey a message, project an image or
impression, or to merely bring entertainment to the user of the
beverage accessory device; to the user. Any display mechanism
suited for the intended purpose will suffice, including, but not
limited to, clips, slots, hooks, rollers, tabs, and the like. Those
skilled in the art, however, will recognize that any display
mechanism suited for the intended purposes may be employed and are
not limited to these forms of display mechanisms described
above.
[0042] The light source 35 can be any source which can illuminate
the beverage accessory device and preferably the surrounding
environment into which the beverage accessory device is placed;
into a drink (floating or not), in a planter, in a fish bowl, on a
dinner table, at a picnic, and the like. Any light source 35 suited
for the intended purpose will suffice, such as, but not limited to
light-emitting diodes (LED's), fiber optics, halogen, incandescent,
laser, fluorescent, magnetic, and the like. It is preferred,
however, that the light source 35 not impart excessive or undesired
heat or temperature to the beverage accessory device and the
surrounding liquid or drink. An LED is preferred, however, those
skilled in the art will recognize that any light source mechanism
suited for the intended purposes may be employed and are not
limited to these forms of light source mechanisms described
above.
[0043] The power source 41 contemplates any means of providing
energy to the light source 35 to thereby cause the light source 35
to emit light. An power source 41 suited for the intended purpose
will suffice including, but not limited to, renewable batteries,
rechargeable batteries, disposable batteries, power cells, and the
like. If rechargeable, such power source 41 should be rechargeable
by solar, magnetic, electrical, and chemical means, and the like or
any combination thereof. One embodiment directs that the power
source 41 be fully contained within the beverage accessory device
and not to be in contact with its external environment. Those
skilled in the art will recognize, however, that any power source
mechanism suited for the intended purposes may be employed and are
not limited to these forms of power source mechanisms.
[0044] The bias member 51 may be comprised of any suitable material
or structure suited for the intended purpose such as, but not
limited to a spring, a resilient pad, a single piece of VELCRO
material, a foam pad, a corrugated plate, a spring plate, and the
like or any combination thereof. In the preferred embodiment a
foam-like member 51 is used. A typical foam-like member may be, but
is not limited to, rubber, vinyl, polyethylene polyester,
styrofoam, and the like, or any combination thereof. A single piece
of VELCRO material 151 (that is, the hook side of a hook-and-loop
VELCRO, or the loop side of a hook-and-loop VELCRO) may also be
used (see FIG. 4). In such case, a cover 153 would be placed on the
VELCRO portion of this material. The VELCRO portions give this
element the spring-like quality necessary to apply pressure or
force to the power source 41 to thereby, in the process, provide
support for the power source 41 within the power-source chamber 21
and prevent unwanted movement. Printed indicia, as explained above,
would be on the reverse side 155. FIG. 5 illustrates another type
of bias member, that of a corrugated plate-like member 251. What is
necessary for the support is application of upward force on the
power source 41 to prevent it from moving when movement is not
desired. Those skilled in the art will recognize, however, that any
force applying mechanisms suited for the intended purposes may be
employed and are not limited to these forms of bias member
mechanisms.
[0045] Once the beverage accessory device is so constructed, a user
would pick it up and strike an edge (for illustration purposes
only, and not by way of limitation, we will adhere to relative
positions of FIG. 1). To illuminate the beverage accessory device,
the user would move the beverage accessory device in the direction
of arrow A and strike the left side of the beverage accessory
device on any suitable somewhat rigid surface. The force of this
blow causes the power source 41 to slide from its right-most
position, in the direction of arrow B to the left and cause the
negative terminal of the power source 41 to contact the negative
lead wire 33. Light thereupon is emitted. To turn off the light,
the user strikes the right side of the beverage accessory device
(direction of arrow B) causing the power source 41 to return to the
right inside the power-source chamber 21. Contact between the
negative wire lead 33 and the negative terminal of the power source
41 is broken and the light thereupon extinguished. Those skilled in
the art will recognize, however, that multiple switch mechanisms
suited for the intended purposes, such as magnetic switches,
mechanical switches, and electrical switches, and the like, may be
employed and are not limited to this translating-type switch
mechanism.
[0046] FIGS. 6-10 illustrate a conventional `push-button` type
power switch device 63. What has been described before with regard
to the beverage accessory device which bears the same reference
numerals for FIGS. 6-10 apply to this embodiment and are
incorporated by reference. What distinguishes this embodiment from
the previously discussed embodiment is the switch-facilitating
mechanism comprising a mechanical switch device 63, on a foundation
member 61, which is seated into a ledge 65 in the lid chamber 45.
Any conventional switch device 63 will suffice. For this
embodiment, however, a `push-button` style is preferred. Here the
positive lead wire 33 from the light source 35 is hard-wired into
the foundation member 61 and connected to the switch device 63.
Reference point 73 is the solder point for the positive lead wire
33 to the foundation member 61; reference point 74 is the solder
point for the negative lead wire 34 to a clip-like member 84 which
generally maintains constant contact with the power source 41. The
power source 41 is held firmly in place thereat and, when switch
device 63 is switched on or off, the light source 35 goes on or off
as the case may be.
[0047] The clip-like member 84 is configured such that it seats
firmly on the power source 41. It must be understood, however, that
though the negative wire lead 34 is shown to be in constant contact
with the power source 41 via the clip-like member 84, this
configuration may be reversed and the positive wire lead 33 may be
in constant contact with the power source 41 via the clip-like
member 84 instead.
[0048] The lid 14 in this embodiment has a lid chamber 45 with a
step or ledge 65. As was described, the foundation member 61, with
switch device 63 in place, seats into the lid chamber 45 on the
ledge 65. The switch device 63 is adjacent to the bottom of the lid
chamber 45. The bottom of the lid chamber 45 here is relatively
thin (or membrane-like 67) such that it flexes to the touch and
exertion of some external pressure. The purpose of this resiliency
and flexibility is to permit a user to contact the internal switch
device 63 from the outside and to thereby switch the light source
35 `on` or `off`. FIG. 6, reference character C (represented by
phantom line) illustrates the position of the thin layer 67 in its
normal position; reference character D illustrates its position
after external pressure is exerted on the thin layer 67.
[0049] The preferred embodiments of the new and novel features of
the present invention are best represented in FIGS. 11-15, though
any one or more of the previously described embodiments,
components, elements, and features also may be employed with the
preferred embodiments of the present invention now to be described.
In these embodiments, the inside of the housing 11 is hollow,
defining a cavity therein. A filler 18, generally, will be inside
the cavity. FIG. 11, the cavity within the housing 11 is exposed
revealing the container 39. The container generally houses the
light-source 35, the power-source 41, and may also, but need not,
house the power switch member 163. These components 35, 41, 163 are
shown to be encapsulated within the container 39 and, preferably
(though not necessarily), in a water-tight fashion. For greater
clarity, the filler 18 earlier described is not illustrated in
these figures but is necessary when buoyancy is desired, when
heat-retaining and cold-retaining features are desired, or when a
glow-in-the-dark feature is desired, or any one or more of the
above in any desired combination. Buoyancy also may be attained
having an empty cavity. The filler 18, however, maintains the
container 39 in suspension within the housing 11. In this regard,
the container may be adjacent to any inside wall of the housing 11
(top, bottom, sides) and suspended anywhere within. [The filler 18
generally should have buoyant characteristics, may have
heat-retaining and cold-retaining characteristics, and may have
glow-in-the-dark characteristics. Additionally, glass-like prisms,
particles, colored or clear, may be inserted within the cavity,
with or without a filler. The light-source, when activated, is
reflected and/or refracted to create yet an additional
feature].
[0050] Conductive members 37 establish an on-off (switchable)
connection between the power-source 41, the light-source 35, and a
user. The switch member 163 may be manually activated by a user
manually engaging a reciprocating switch, a push-button switch
163', or the like, each of which are accessible to a user from
outside the housing 11. The switch member 163 also may be
automatically activated by immersion of the device into a liquid
which causes contact between the conductive members to, depending
on the mechanism used, interrupt a circuit and cause power to be
delivered to the light-source 35; or to complete the circuit and
deliver power to the light-source 35. FIG. 14 represents the
structural feature and function of an automatically-operated
switching function (i.e., by placing into a liquid, by covering
with one's hand or finger, etc.). FIG. 15 represents the structural
feature and function of one type of manually-operated switching
function (i.e., a push-button type switch 163').
[0051] Any conventional chip or microprocessor is suited to
function as the switch member 163 whether to be manually operated
or automatically triggered. Typical such microprocessors are Model
PEK 123508 manufactured or distributed by MicroChip; a Basic
Discrete Logic Nand-Gate by MicroChip; or any 8-pin chips
manufactured or distributed by Holtech. With the container 39 and
its components all inside the housing 11, the light 35 may be
illuminated automatically by immersing the device into a liquid; or
if a manual push-button device is used, the light is illuminated by
depressing the push-button device 163'. Many such switches may have
a timer to regulate the duration of illumination, others may have a
power-interrupting source such as a strobe to cause the
illumination to flicker or strobe.
[0052] The power-source 41 may be solar powered, may be
rechargeable, may be permanently affixed to the device, or may be
removable, or any compatible combination or combinations thereof.
[If a rechargeable power-source is used it may be permanently
affixed and recharged by placing the entire device on a cooperating
and compatible charging device. If a rechargeable power-source is
used it may be removable and placed directly on a cooperating and
compatible charging device. If removable, the device in such
configuration also would encompass a lid 14 which also is
removable.]
[0053] Buoyancy-reduction may be realized in several ways. One
manner provides for a removable lid 14 to expose the cavity and
filler 18. Any type of weight (ballast) 47, in any number, may be
inserted into the cavity to decrease buoyancy to any desired degree
such that the device floats in a liquid on the surface, just below
the surface, sinks to the bottom, or to any level between the
surface and the bottom. The greater the density of the ballast 47,
the more in number of the ballast 47, the less buoyancy for the
device.
[0054] Insertion of the ballast 47 may also be accomplished through
an opening 20 on the housing 11 which, when in an open position,
exposes the cavity and filler 18 within to the environment. When in
the open position, any type and number of weights (ballast) 47 may
be inserted until the desired buoyancy level is attained. The
opening 20 is secured into a closed position by a cap 27, 27'
(FIGS. 12 and 11, respectively). The closed position is such that
the device maintains a water-tight integrity (i.e., no water or
liquid [or virtually no water or liquid] enters the cavity of the
device when the device is immersed into the water or liquid). As
illustrated in FIG. 11, the cap 27' is a cap or door-like member
hingedly-connected to the opening 20. It opens and closes on the
hinge and maintains a secure closure by friction-fit or by
cooperating grooves and ribs or detents around the opening 20 and
the cap 27'. FIG. 12 illustrates a cap 27 which is not
hingedly-connected to the opening 20 but is completely removable
from the opening 20. The cap 27 may be friction-fitting to the
opening 20, may incorporate cooperating grooves and ribs or detents
as above described, or may incorporate cooperating threading to be
screwed on (into the closed position) and off (into the open
position) as desired. It is inserted over the opening 20 by
movement in the direction of Arrow E until firmly seated one or
into the opening 20. Though the respective caps 27', 27 are shown
as being rectilinear and curvilinear in shape, they may encompass
any shape and may be placed anywhere on the device provided an open
position and a closed position may be achieved and a water-tight
integrity is or may be attained maintained if desired. In either
case, the device may be an empty cavity into which a liquid, as a
ballast, is introduced through the opening 20 and suitable sealed.
The amount of buoyancy will depend upon the amount of water
introduced.
[0055] FIG. 12 also illustrates another buoyancy-reducing feature
of the present invention. Illustrated here are a plurality of slots
or slits 40 adapted to receive the designated ballast 47. The slot
40 and respective ballast 47 are sized such that the ballast 47
firmly seats and remains in the slot 40. A user merely inserts any
number of ballast members 47 or any type into one or more slots 40
(in the directions of Arrows F) until the desired level of buoyancy
is attained.
[0056] An additional feature for the present invention is the straw
receptacle 71 attached to the housing 11 or to the lid 14. As
illustrated in FIG. 11, the straw receptacle 71 is an elongated
tube 78 extending away from the device. The elongated tube 78 has
an opening or channel 79 completely therethrough from top to the
bottom. As illustrated here, the straw receptacle 71 comprises a
single straw-like member (elongated tube) 78. The straw receptacle
71 may also encompass a larger block-like structure 71' as
illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 15. With the block-like structure 71'
and elongated tube 78 may extend away from the block-like structure
71' provided the channel 79 of the elongated tube 78 extends
completely through the block-like structure 71'. This provides for
a stronger and more durable straw feature for the device to
facilitate or assist one in consuming the beverage into which the
device has been placed.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 12, the straw receptacle 71' as a
block-like structure may also be structured without a permanent
elongated tube 78 thereon but may have an aperture 70 running
completely through the straw receptacle 71', which aperture 70 is
adapted to receive and hold an externally introduced straw 78' (in
the direction of Arrows G as illustrated in FIG. 12).
[0058] The present disclosure includes that contained in the
present claims as well as that of the foregoing description. As can
be gleaned, the device has multiple functions. If constructed of
water-tight integrity, it can be placed into liquids. It can accept
and maintain an external drinking implement (such as a straw) to
facilitate drinking or sipping a beverage. Buoyancy of the device
may be controlled to permit the device to float on top of a
beverage or to submerge to any suitable depth depending on the
amount of ballast or weight placed on or into the device. Whether
or not of water-tight integrity, it can be used to enhance moods,
provide visual pleasure or serenity, or provide numerous
novelty-related results. If appropriate fillers are used, it can
also impart heating or cooling or glow-like illumination properties
to its adjacent environment. Its external shape also can be altered
to facilitate a particular use and it can provide and display
messages to others. The principal use envisioned, however, is that
of a simulated ice cube or ice berg, or a test-tube-like or
capsule-like structure, a food substance (such as, but not limited
to, an olive or onion), dice, and the like, of any size and shape,
which is immersible in a liquid (to sink or float, depending on how
constructed) and is illuminatable at will by a user. The
configuration is limited only by one's imagination.
[0059] Although this invention has been described in its preferred
forms with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that
the present disclosure of the preferred forms has been made only by
way of example and numerous changes in the details of construction
and combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly,
the scope of the invention should be determined not by the
embodiment[s] illustrated, but by the appended claims and their
legal equivalents.
* * * * *